ONLOOKERS were treated to all the thrills and spills of round three of the Australian Offshore Superboat Championships at the Strand on the weekend.

With the Townsville 500 less than a week away, motorsport fanatics got an early fix of V8 action with the powerful machines making some serious waves around the 6km course.

Offshore Council president Graham Fraser said they had great support from the public with many lining the beach to get a look at the racing while others visited the coast guard to get an up-close look.

“The racing ran adjacent to the Strand and it was fantastic and free entertainment,” he said.

“It’s great to get support from the people of Townsville and hopefully in the future we can come back.”

Twelve boats were in action in four classes with three Kiwis joining 21 Australian drivers.

Comments on this story

CHARLES KACPERUK of HEATLEY Posted at 5:00 AM July 01, 2014

Once again all the joys of BIG BOY'S toys!

WadeH Posted at 8:52 AM June 30, 2014

Azzazello of Townsvile, couldn't your comment apply to the Townsville 500 also? Just because it's not your cup of tea. It was a great event and spectacular to watch. Considering the lack of promotion the spectactors showed good numbers. These are the type of events that bring people and money into regions if promoted correctly.

Azzazello of Tsv Posted at 8:29 AM June 30, 2014

Very few people were there to watch the race. Probably more interest in the State IRB titles. So why should rate and tax payer money go to support rich guys playing with their big toys?